Tips for buying CT Scanner

Make sure you know exactly
what type of CT scanner you require: a mid-range 16-slice system can
adequately perform most routine clinical exams.

Wide-boreCT scanners, which are similar systems with larger gantry apertures, are
appropriate for oncology exams, and are also useful for scanning bariatric
patients.

CT scanning systems with more
and thinner slices in one rotation, can handle more complex exams and more
varied patient populations. The incremental benefit actually decreases as
the number of slices that can be acquired increases. The smallest slice
width on a 4-slice CT scanner, for example, is the same as that on a
16-slice scanner.

Most exams do not require the
smallest slice width. For slices wider than 5 mm, there is no difference
between 4-slice and 16-slice systems.

Computer Tomography Systems
may also be different in the speed of image reconstruction. Acquiring more
slices is not advantageous if patient throughput is held up by slow image
reconstruction. There is no point in buying a very high specification
computer that will rarely be utilized.

Before buying a CT scanning system,
facilities must evaluate patient population, clinical needs, and desired
throughput. Low-volume facilities, for example, will not benefit much from
the more efficient use of the x-ray tube on a 16-slice scanner to justify
its replacement cost.

Buyers should consider
several design features before purchasing a CT scanner. The basic clinical
applications are quite similar for units from various manufacturers. The
differences between top-of-the-line CAT scanner units and less
sophisticated ones generally involve cycle time, spatial resolution,
data-storage features, and helical scanning protocols.

Buyers are encouraged to
examine any CT scanner model they are considering, while it is operating.

Specially air-conditioned
computer rooms are still required in some cases, although distributed
processing in the construction of CT scanners has eliminated the need for
them.

The reliability of the CT scanning
system can be harmed if adequate air-conditioning for the computer
equipment is not provided. This ultimately shortens its useful life. The
existing hospital air-conditioning system cannot be used in most cases
since its operation is connected to outdoor weather and since many times
it is already operating close to capacity.

The ability of the CT scanner
to make artifact-free images often depends strongly on the electrical
power energizing the instrument. Buyers should install surge suppressors
and means for automatic disconnection if the power fails.

Installation time varies
among suppliers and may range from one week to two months. The most common
installation period is two weeks.

Adequate training is a must
due to the complexity of CT scanners. The training usually consists of one
or more visits to the site by an instructor provided by the supplier.
These visits can last 3-4 days, but longer visits are often desirable,
depending on the expertise and experience within the facility. Users
should arrange for follow-up visits 3-6 months after installation.